HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-06-minutes-whistleblower-complaint04/06/2026 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY 10:00 A.M. APRIL 6th, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice Chairman Brett
Wachsmith & Commissioner Laura Osiadacz.
Others: Jodi Larsen, Office Administrator; Therese Murphy, Deputy
Prosecutor III; James McCubbin, Deputy Prosecutor III; Cori McKean,
Coroner; Leslie Erickson, Human Resources Representative; Jacob
Schroeder, Administrative Supervisor; Charlie Divine, Deputy Coroner
II; and 2 Members of the Press.
SPECIAL MEETING WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT COMMISSIONERS
At 10:00 a.m. Chairman Wright opened a Special Meeting and announced
the Board would enter into an Executive Session for 5 minutes with
Therese Murphy and James McCubbin, Deputy Prosecutors III under RCW
42.30.110(i) To discuss with Legal Counsel representing the Agency,
matters relating to Agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with
Legal Counsel representing the Agency, litigation or potential
litigation to which the Agency, the governing body, or a member
acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become a party,
when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result
in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the Agency. Possible
action to be taken.
At 10:05 a.m. the Board reconvened out of Executive Session. No
action taken.
At that time Chairman Wright resumed the regular meeting and asked
for public comment. Administrative Supervisor Jacob Schroeder spoke
to the letter that was written regarding the actions of County
Coroner McKean. He was not aware that his letter would be considered
a “Whistleblower” complaint and feels that by publishing the letter
with his name on it, his confidentiality was violated. He stated
that he wrote the letter in an attempt to garner an intervention
from the governing Board in hopes of rectifying miscommunications
and unclear operating standards in the office of the Coroner.
Deputy Coroner II, Charlie Divine commented that he is concerned
that staff lacks the proper PPE. He stated that all staff should be
wearing a Dosimeter badge when operating the x-ray machine and when
he inquired why they were not being used, he was told they are “too
expensive”. He also brought forward the fact that the X-ray machine
has not been serviced in his tenure and there are no plans for
service or regular maintenance on the machine, which could impose
04/06/2026 MINUTES 2
health risks when coupled with the lack of use of the Dosimeter
badge.
Chairman Wright then announced that the meeting was scheduled to
address letters that were received by the Board, regarding the
Department of the Coroner. Deputy Prosecutor McCubbin explained that
the letter was forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office where
the “Whistleblower” determination was made and a need to address the
complaint was decided.
Chairman Wright explained that there would be a 3rd party
investigation into the allegations and concerns brought forth by the
Deputy Coroners. Coroner McKean stated that she understood the
reason for the meeting as well as the investigation. She welcomed
the input and opportunity to resolve any issues.
Other Business - None
Meeting adjourned at 10:12 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jodi Larsen Cory Wright, Chairman